Phrasal verb
dig up
Meanings
to remove something from the ground by digging
to discover information or facts after searching for them
to contact someone you have not seen or spoken to for a long time
Definition
To dig up means to remove something from the ground by digging.
To dig up usually means to uncover something that was buried by digging in the ground. It can also mean to discover or find information after searching, often information that was hidden or forgotten. In another common use, it means to contact someone you have not spoken to for a long time.
Examples
- I dig up weeds every weekend to keep the garden neat.
- She dug up an old photo of us from a box in the attic.
- They dug up some useful details online before the meeting.
- He dug up his former coach to ask for advice about training.
- You can dig up the potatoes once the leaves turn yellow.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "dig up" (remove or discover) with "dig in" (push into the ground or start eating enthusiastically).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.